Arsene Wenger may take risk on Robin van Persie in Arsenal's derby with Tottenham

Robin van Persie is in line for a dramatic comeback from injury in the north London derby at Tottenham on Wednesday night, providing Arsenal with a boost for the title run-in.

With Arsenal needing to make up ground on Chelsea and Manchester United, the return after five months out for the Dutch striker, who ruptured his ankle ligaments in November, will be a huge stimulus to Arsenal's campaign, which has been undermined by injuries to Cesc Fabregas, Andrey Arshavin and William Gallas.

Van Persie is back training with the first team and has maintained his all-round fitness while injured with swimming and gym work.

Big loss: Robin van Persie has been out injured since November

Last month observers in Holland were stunned to see Van Persie complete a daily work-out at AFC Amsterdam, a Dutch amateur club, where he was already back to shooting with full force and performing sprinting drills.

Arsene Wenger's caution may mean that he has to wait until next week at Wigan for his comeback but, at present, the odds are on a return at White Hart Lane, a game which, realistically, Arsenal must win to retain hopes of winning the title.